a Chicken needs a push

DanMcGuire · Nov 25, 2006

Hello, I would like to ask a question of this forum. How long did it take before you to actually made the first mod to your store bought camera, and how did you get past the "What in heck amd I doing!" mindset.

I have just picked up a 5X7 wooden field camera in near new condition. The only problem is the latch that is supposed to keep the camera body closed is not working to my liking. I can see where a new latch of a different design would work better. I have found a couple of examples of these latches.

Then I stall, reluctant to take drill in hand and get the job done.

How did the people in this forum start out.

Thank you for any advice you may have

Dave Parker · Nov 25, 2006

Just jumped off the deep end and went for it, goofed a few times along the way, but most times it comes out just fine.

Dave

richard ide · Nov 25, 2006

As Dave has said just do it. I am sure you can get any guidance if needed on the forum. I have built 3 big enlargers in the past and now am not afraid to try anything.

Greg_E · Nov 25, 2006

If it isn't broke, don't fix it. Buy broken cameras and there is no excuse to waiting.

If that doesn't work then remember that cameras are tools, not works of art for collecting. If the tool doesn't function as needed, modify it so that it will, or replace it to meet your needs.

I say if the latch needs fixing, then fix it. If you are carefull, you can always reverse the mod (it's only wood).

I'm about to modify my brand new light meter that I've had for less than a week. Why? Because it will give my extra "functionality" by eliminating the math that I might otherwise need to perform to arrive at my desired value. It only goes to f32 and I need up to about f512.

Steve Smith · Nov 25, 2006

My usual question to people who are unsure about doing something themselves is 'what's the worst thing that can happen?'

It's usually a question about plumbing in which case the worst thing that could happen is you might get wet.

In the case of fitting a different latch to your camera, I think the the worst thing that could happen is you drill a hole in the wrong place.

I would just do it using a hand drill though, not an electric one.

Steve.

John Bartley · Nov 25, 2006

Steve Smith said:
My usual question to people who are unsure about doing something themselves is "what's the worst thing that can happen?" ....

Steve.

Hehehe - great minds and all that ... my variation on that question is ... "how bad can it be? " ... and if the worst downside is that I might have to wear a bandage for a while or maybe spend some money to fix what I broke, then I view it as a necessary expense to obtain some education and have some fun at the same time

So .... what are you reading this for ... get at it !!

richard ide · Nov 25, 2006

"So .... what are you reading this for ... get at it !!"

That has to go on hold for a day or so as someone tried to kick in my front door a couple of days ago. I am on security improvement detail for the moment. After tomorrow explosives will be needed hopefully.
I also believe that pulling will work better with chickens rather than pushing.

phfitz · Nov 25, 2006

DanMcGuire,

Just remove the lens and ground glass back and set aside.
Clamp a backer-board inside so you won't hit the bellows.
Drill the hole.

Jump in, the water's fine.

Alex Bishop-Thorpe · Nov 25, 2006

Pretty quickly, I always had a knack for taking stuff apart. The second camera I got was a Canonet Rangefinder which just happened to have a stuck shutter. So, I removed the lens elements and lubricated the blades, and took apart the shutter mechanism to have a look around out of curiosity. All works well now, and that gave me the confidence to play with other stuff. Thus the Minolta Hi-Matic 7 in pieces in my draw, and the pinhole I made this morning with an old Brownie C, a pocket knife, and a coke can.
As has been said, what's the worse thing that can happen? It's just fun when you get over the feeling of impending doom.

DanMcGuire · Nov 25, 2006

Thanks for all the replies to my question. I guess it all boils down to what one is comfortabe with. As I am just getting back into this game after a 20+ year break, I will have to build up my confidance. I am just glad that there is a place one can go to ask questions of people who have done this type of thing before.

To those people who asked "What is the worst that can happen" My wife could find out that I am planning on drilling holes in the camera that I just purchased.

Steve Smith · Nov 26, 2006

DanMcGuire said:
To those people who asked "What is the worst that can happen" My wife could find out that I am planning on drilling holes in the camera that I just purchased.

I hadn't thought of that!

Steve.

Papa Tango · Nov 26, 2006

When we were dating in the early 90s, my wife had an old (mid 80s) computer that did not work, but was "sacred" because it had been traded for a debt. Home she comes one day to find the thing completely dissasembled and covering the entire living room floor. Little did she know my long standing penchant for this sort of thing. After the panic subsided, the fix was done and the computer then worked. It is now possible to start any sort of project and have little concern about it aside from how long it will take, and what it will cost...

The moral of the story is this; although it might be horrifying at first (in direct proportion to the amount of money spent) it gets easier as each project reaches a successful completion. Drill away!!!

Alex Bishop-Thorpe · Nov 27, 2006

Also, you can just tell her that some big kids made you do it worth a try.
But Patrick's right, once you get some success stories under your belt it becomes a lot less worrying. It might be interesting to buy a few books on the subject of camera repairs and mechanics and so on, at least so you look like you know what you're doing.

barryjyoung · Dec 2, 2006

I find it amazing that people still get married.

DanMcGuire · Dec 2, 2006

barryjyoung said:
I find it amazing that people still get married.

I find it amazing that I'm still married!

Antje · Dec 14, 2006

barryjyoung said:
I find it amazing that people still get married.

Well, at least in Germany it saves taxes that can then be spent on cameras.

Antje

barryjyoung · Dec 17, 2006

You mean you think taxes are more expensive than wives? Good thing I wasn't born in Germany, I hear the taxes there are unbearable.

a Chicken needs a push

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